Overview
Adenodolichos bequaertii De Wild. is a perennial legume plant that is native to Africa. This plant can grow up to 3 meters tall and is known for being a valuable resource for local communities.
Common Names
Adenodolichos bequaertii De Wild. is commonly known as "African yam bean" or "eme" in Nigeria, "hippopotamus bean" in Cameroon, and "katindot" in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Appearance
Adenodolichos bequaertii De Wild. has a climbing stem and can grow up to 3 meters tall. The leaves are dark green and trifoliate, with each leaflet being up to 8 cm long. The flowers are pink or purple and are arranged in clusters at the top of the stems. The fruit is a straight pod that is up to 30 cm long, containing 5-10 seeds that are round and flattened.
Uses
The seeds and leaves of Adenodolichos bequaertii De Wild. are edible. The seeds can be boiled, roasted or ground into flour to make various dishes. The leaves are used as a vegetable in soups and stews. In addition to its use as a food source, this plant also has medicinal properties. The roots and leaves have been used to treat various ailments, including gonorrhea, rheumatism, and high blood pressure. Adenodolichos bequaertii De Wild. is also used as a forage crop for livestock in some areas.
Light Requirements
Adenodolichos bequaertii De Wild. is adapted to grow in areas that receive full sunlight to partial shade. Therefore, to ensure optimal growth and development, ensure the plant is exposed to sufficient light. Exposing the plant to less light than required can result in stunted growth and reduced productivity.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is suitable for growth in tropical regions with temperatures ranging between 25°C and 35°C. Temperatures lower than 25°C can slow down growth while temperatures higher than 35°C can cause stress, which may impede optimal growth. Additionally, hot winds can cause dehydration, which can damage the plant, so it is essential to monitor the temperature levels regularly.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow well in well-drained soils that are fertile, rich in organic matter, and have a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can be sensitive to drought and waterlogging, so it is essential to maintain optimal moisture in the soil. During the growing season, it is advisable to water the plant regularly and apply fertilizer to boost nutrient availability in the soil.
Cultivation methods
Adenodolichos bequaertii De Wild. is a perennial plant that thrives well in well-draining soils with moderate soil fertility. The plant requires a neutral soil pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 for optimal growth.
The plant should be planted in a location that receives full sunlight, providing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The plant grows well in tropical and subtropical regions.
Watering Needs
Adenodolichos bequaertii De Wild. requires moderate watering, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged to avoid root rotting. The plant prefers deep watering once or twice a week, depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
Overwatering should be avoided at all costs as it may result in root rotting, leading to the untimely death of the plant. It is advisable to water the plant in the early morning or late evening, avoiding the midday sun when the sun is scorching.
Fertilization
Adenodolichos bequaertii De Wild. requires moderate fertilization to ensure optimal growth. Apply a balanced granular fertilizer as per the directions on the package, and water the plant shortly after application to facilitate nutrient absorption. The fertilizer should be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Overfertilization should be avoided as it leads to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering, resulting in an unattractive plant.
Pruning
Adenodolichos bequaertii De Wild. requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and size. Pruning should be done during the early spring months just before the growing season.
Trim off any dead or damaged branches, removing the diseased parts. Pinch back the plant's tip to encourage bushier growth, and remove any wilted flowers to encourage new flowering.
The pruned parts should be disposed of to avoid the spread of disease, and the pruner should be sterilized before and after pruning. Use clean, sharp pruning shears for optimal results.
Propagation of Adenodolichos bequaertii De Wild.
Adenodolichos bequaertii De Wild. commonly known as 'Ngologolo' is a perennial plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae which is native to tropical Africa. The plant is propagated by a variety of methods which include:
1. Seed Propagation
Ngologolo can be propagated through seeds that can be collected when the pods mature. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mixture composted of perlite, sand, and peat moss. The seeds should be kept in a warm and moist area until the germination process begins. After a few weeks, the lack shall break the soil surface indicating the beginning of the plants' growth.
2. Cutting Propagation
Ngologolo can also be propagated through cuttings that are collected from mature plants. The stem cuttings should be chosen from plants with sturdy, healthy stems of 10-15 cm length that have a few nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and placed in the prepared soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and moist environment until the roots of the stem cutting have developed.
3. Layering Propagation
This propagation method involves making a small incision in the stem of the plant by the base of each node and covering it with soil and rooting hormone powder. This creates a new plant from the parent plant. The new plant can be left connected to the parent plant until it acquires its own root system, after which it is transplanted to a new location.
Regardless of the propagation method chosen, Adenodolichos bequaertii De Wild. should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture with organic matter. The plants grow well in full sunlight or partial sunlight and require regular watering to maintain soil moisture.
Disease and Pest Management for Adenodolichos bequaertii De Wild
Adenodolichos bequaertii De Wild. is an important leguminous plant that is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. Although this plant is known for its resilience, it is vulnerable to a wide array of pests and diseases. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Adenodolichos bequaertii De Wild and suggestions on how to manage them:
Diseases
Root Rot: Root rot attacks the roots of the plant and is caused by fungi belonging to the genera Fusarium, Pythium, and Rhizoctonia. This disease leads to wilting, stunted growth, and yellowing of the leaves. To manage root rot, remove the affected parts of the plant and avoid over-watering and poor drainage.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. It is caused by the fungi Erysiphe polygoni and Leveillula taurica. To manage powdery mildew, remove the affected plants and avoid overcrowding and excessive humidity in the growing area. Avoid overhead watering and use a fungicidal spray, if necessary.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They are usually found on the undersides of the leaves. These pests cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and distortion of new growth. To manage aphids, remove the affected parts of the plant and use insecticidal soap sprays or neem oil.
Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are small, wedge-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They cause yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and distortion of the new growth. To manage leafhoppers, remove the affected parts of the plant and use insecticidal soaps or pyrethroid-based insecticides.
By applying these management practices, common diseases and pests that affect Adenodolichos bequaertii De Wild can be controlled and managed effectively, thereby improving plant quality and productivity.
